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Linn Cove Viaduct – Blue Ridge Parkway

Linn Cove Viaduct


Location: Blue Ridge Parkway, Near Milepost 305

Hike Length: Pull-off

Difficulty: NA

Features: Mountain Views, Linn Cove Viaduct

Hike Type: NA

Distance from Asheville: About 70 miles


The Linn Cove Viaduct is a fascinating marvel of engineering that you should definitely visit and explore. Coming from Asheville, you will pass a Visitors Center where you can read all about the construction of this 1,243-foot concrete bridge. Once you cross the Viaduct there is parking on the side of the Parkway. If you scramble up a rock at the end of the bridge on the left, you will see the view in the above picture.

There is also a trail that goes beneath the bridge and leads you to a rock facing the other direction for another vantage point of this beautiful piece of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Other hikes and things to see in this area:

 

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Beacon Heights – Blue Ridge Parkway Hike near Grandfather Mountain

Beacon Heights

 


Location: Blue Ridge Parkway, Near Milepost 305

Hike Length: .8 miles round-trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Features: Mountain Views

Hike Type: Out & Back

Distance from Asheville: About 70 miles


A few weeks ago we decided to drive up to the mountains and camp on a Tuesday night so that we could catch a sunset and a sunrise without making the long drive twice in 12 hours. It made for a long Wednesday but it was worth it! Tuesday evening we hiked Beacon Heights trail for the first time and it’s a very short hike with a very beautiful view! The trail is moderately steep but only about 1 mile round trip. There were probably about a dozen other people up there on a Tuesday in October but there is plenty of space for everyone to spread out and enjoy the view!

This easy to access trail is located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Grandfather Mountain.

Other hikes and things to see in this area: